The way in which crimes were related to differential perceptions of stress and support was analyzed among respondents of Eastern (Asian or North African) and Western (European or American) origin. The theoretical framework of analysis was based on a model that postulated crime would be positively related to stress factors and negatively related to support systems. This model was substantially supported by study findings. Economic stress indicators had a greater effect on crime rates than security-related indicators, especially among Eastern respondents, and perceptions of social solidarity among Eastern respondents were related more closely to crime than among their Western counterparts. Contrary to expectation, however, perceptions of stress were related less closely to robbery and property offenses among Eastern respondents than among Western respondents. The study demonstrates the introduction of ethnic origin into criminology research adds considerably to the knowledge base on the relationship between subjective indicators and crime patterns. Recommendations for future research on the topic are offered. Appendixes contain additional information on the formulation of subjective indicators and statistical data on Eastern and Western study respondents. 64 references and 5 tables